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All real estate agents are not created equal. They may have access to the same systems, the same information and market data, similar industry tools used across the board and universal access to government agencies that house important data that may be relevant in helping you sell your home. So what sets apart the successful ones from the bad apples? It is how they use the things that are at their disposal – that is what makes all the difference.
Now, unless you are completely well versed in the process of home selling and real estate, chances are you may not know all the ins and outs of these tools. So how can you measure the success rate of potential agents you may or may not want to work with? The answer lies in three important metrics that you can easily employ to help you make that decision.
How Much of Your Work Day Do You Dedicate to the Real Estate Industry?
You
want an agent that is 100% committed to their job and if they are
focusing more on a day job with real estate being a secondary thing, you
run the risk of inaccessibility, lack of knowledge and experience plus
lackluster motivation. Find out how they feel about the real estate
industry and whether they are passionate about their work.
What is Their Area of Expertise?
Many times you could have an agent who is a specialist in foreclosures or short sales. They may work with equity sales or something completely different; the point is to make sure that they understand your needs and are able to fulfill them.
How Many Days on Average Does It Take You To Sell a Home?
What’s the average number of days on the market for
properties listed by your prospective agent? Since this statistic can
reach as high as six to nine months and in some cases and as much as a
year, it is important to ask how your prospective agent ranks on the
scale.
How Close Do You Get in Sale Price Related to Asking Price?
It
is important to ask for this information as it relates to the past 60
days. Given that many agents are not that active in the market, you
would be best served to obtain the most recent information possible. As
a seller, your agent’s ability to come close to the asking price is a
strong attribute and can mean a difference of thousands of dollars in
your transaction.
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At the end of the day, the goal is that you sell your property and sell it well. Selling it well can translate to a higher price, more efficiently managed procedures, smoother and streamlined process, and an overall quicker turn around time. By following the suggestions in this article, you will be able to discern the best agent in your area to handle your specific needs. Half the battle of selling your home is in choosing the right agent to help you achieve your goal.
